January 2nd, 2025 e-Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Remembering the kindness of Jimmy Carter

By Ellen Sweets

St. Louis American

Years ago, the father of my friend, Christy Pirrung, had a peanut farm in Plains, Georgia. A friend of his owned the adjacent property. He too grew peanuts. Not only that, he, the neighbor, decided to run for president.

So, when the campaign trail brought the other peanut farmer to St. Louis in 1976, Christy, who knew I was a rabid Jimmy Carter fan, called to say her folks were having a fundraiser for him and that I should come. After making several SOS calls, I couldn’t find anyone to babysit for my toddler. I called back to decline.

“Oh, just bring her,” Christy said. “Our housekeeper will be happy to entertain her.”

Sounded like a plan. And off we went. Hannah was remanded to the care of the housekeeper. As I started down the staircase the entourage arrived. Mr. Carter was whisked up the stairs before I could go down.

Suddenly surrounded by the presidential hopeful, Secret Service agents, staff and the host and hostess, I managed to extricate myself only to spy

Hannah Sweets, daughter of contributing editor Ellen Sweets, in the arms of Jimmy Carter during a visit to St. Louis as he campaigned for the presidency in 1975.

U. City’s Mary Allen passes at 99

By Diane Willingham For the St. Louis

American

Havin’ a Ball

Funeral directors gather for evening of honors, fun

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

It

of elegance, congregation, glitzy gowns, top tier tuxedos, fine dining, with a pulsating mix of live jazz, R&B vibes and a crowded dance floor. It was the 2024 Undertakers Ball at the Jade Event Center in North County this month and, by all accounts, the second annual event was a resounding success.

According to organizer, Rev. Dr. NL Grice, Jade Event Center owner, the genesis for the first event in 2023, was, in part, an effort to recognize funeral directors who were tirelessly working their way through one of the most tumultuous times in modern history.

Though initially discovered in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 COVID-19 entered the U.S. biosphere in January 2020. By the end of 2022 the pandemic had killed more than 1 million people in the United States alone. It disrupted

personal, family and professional lives worldwide. Although the impact on first responders (stress, fear, PTSD, depression, etc.) were well documented, conditions suffered by responders - funeral directors - didn’t receive proportionate coverage. Under guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the risk of transmissions from the deceased,

She was born in Gettysburg, Pa. to the late Adam J. Myers, Sr. and the late Amanda E. Myers. She graduated from Gettysburg High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education degree from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). She inspired hundreds of young people throughout her long and distinguished teaching career which began in Princess Anne, Maryland. It was in Maryland that she met fellow educator Dr. Marcus Allen. They were married in 1953. In 1958, when her husband was hired as professor of French at Morgan State University, they moved to Baltimore where she was a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and an active member of the Faculty Wives at Morgan. In 1966, when her husband was recruited to establish the French section of the Department of Modern Languages at the newly formed University of Missouri-St. Louis, they moved to University City where she continued her teaching career at Barbara C. Jordan

By Andrea Y. Henderson St. Louis Public Radio

When Precious Barry first stepped onto the Washington University campus, she instantly felt that she did not belong. “I’ve never been exposed to [a school like this] coming from a predominantly Black school district,” she said. “So, I constantly kept asking myself, ‘What can I do to bring myself into this environment feeling more comfortable and safe?’” She soon became aware of African American student programs on campus and noticed that a student branch of the NAACP was not available to join. Over the past year, she partnered with the St. Louis County chapter to help charter one at the university, and this January people can join a student NAACP chapter at

See CARTER, A6

Spirit of Angela West African Dance and Drum perform at the Kwanzaa Celebration held at the St. Louis Art Museum Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024.

Photo courtesy of the Sweets Family Collection

Mary Myers Allen

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Precious Barry

Denzel Washington baptized, presented with minister’s license

Actor/director Denzel Washington was baptized and presented with a minister license on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ, which is located in Harlem, NY.

News of the service, which streamed on Facebook, was first reported by People.com. By obtaining a minister license, the Oscar winner can now be ordained in the future.

“In one week, I turn 70,” Washington said during the service. “It took a while but I’m here. If God can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit.”

The milestone in Washington’s faith came nine years after he spoke about his family’s connection to the denomination in St. Louis at the 14th Annual COGIC Cares Banquet. The program was part of COGIC’S 108th

Holy Convocation that was held at America’s Center.

“My father, my earthly father, Denzel Washington Sr., was a pastor for the Church of God in Christ for 60 years,” Washington said. “I can remember the most important time in our house – and he would be so excited – was when he was preparing to attend Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee. I didn’t know what he was doing when he got here – in fact I couldn’t even say the word, but I knew it was important to him.

“There was a discussion of contacting other family members and Pops said not to contact anyone and I honored his request,” K.C. told the entertainment news outlet.

“Let me be clear and transparent. There has been no physical, financial, emotional, psychological elder abuse or neglect committed against my father by me, Gene Brummett or Belinda Foster,” he added.

I know he’s smiling in heaven, seeing his son doing the best I can do today, by the grace of God.”

Son of John Amos dismisses death investigation inquiry

This week it was revealed

John Amos’ daugh-

Shannon Amos, hired a lawyer to investigate her father’s passing after his death was kept a secret from the family for 45 days by her brother

K.C. Amos

K.C. Amos told People.com that there is no need for an investigation.

“This has been documented by an independent investigation by Homeland Security Services, Inc, Adult Protective Services, and other law enforcement agencies. The reality is that he passed of natural causes at the age of 84 years old. Stop making it more than what it is.”

Rapper OG Maco passes at 32

Rapper OG Maco passed away on December 26, surrounded by family in a Los Angeles hospital. TMZ Hip Hop was the first outlet to report his death.

The rapper’s family released an official statement of his passing on his Instagram account.

“With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco. His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love,” the statement read. “Through his music, passion and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting

impact. The “U Guessed It” rapper, born Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr., had been hospitalized since December 12 after a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

‘Beyoncé Bowl’ breaks NFL streaming records

Netflix set records as the moststreamed NFL games in US history. The NFL and Nielsen said 65M US viewers tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two games on Christmas Day. The Baltimore Ravens’ 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3M while Kansas City’s 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday.

Both NFL games surpassed the previous mark of 23M for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs on Peacock.

Viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked with the Beyoncé Bowl. The nearly 13-minute halftime performance averaged over 27M viewers.

The viewer figures include the audience on Netflix, mobile viewership on NFL+ and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore and Houston.

Sources: Facebook.com, Instagram. com, People.com, TMZ.com

Normandy Schools makes call to ban cell phones

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

When students return to classes on Jan. 6, 2025, in the Normandy Schools Collaborative, they should leave their cell phones at home – or at least not carry them into respective school buildings.

According to a release, “Starting January 2025, students will no longer be allowed to bring cell phones onto school grounds during school hours. This decision reflects our commitment to fostering an environment focused on learning, meaningful interactions, and student well-being.”

Norman Campbell, director of security and safety, said during a Dec. 19, 2024, community meeting that the district had tried during the past two school years to reduce cell phone use in schools without totally restricting them.

“We tried a policy where you could have a cell phone, just not in class. The students did not adhere to the policies,” he said.

“We are in this place. There is now a total cell phone ban on district property.”

He said cell phones have been a primary cause of bullying, staged fights and sexual misconduct.

Tony Brooks, assistant superintendent of student support services, said cell phones played a role nine out of 10 times in violence of all nature.

“We are not the first; we won’t be the last,” Brooks said. “We are trying to increase the focus

on what is important in schools, and that’s academics.”

The state Department of Education returned local control of the district to an elected board last year, and Brooks said Normandy is trying to show it is doing all it can to improve academic performance.

“We do not expect for a total ban to happen, and everything will be all right. We know that parents will want to advocate for their children [having a cell phone,” he said.

Normandy’s problem is a national one, according to the U.S. Education Department, which in December called on every state, school and district to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools.

According to a Missouri Independent report, the department asks schools to have well-thought-out policies on the matter but does not dictate exactly what those policies should be. An accompanying resource for schools notes the risk social media can pose to students’ mental health.

“In this digital age, every elementary, middle, and high school should have a clear, consistent, and researchinformed policy to guide the use of phones and personal devices in school,” U.S Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement.

“The evidence makes clear: there is no one-size-fitsall policy,” Cardona added, noting that “different school communities have different needs, and the nuances of this

issue demand that local voices — parents, educators, and students — inform local decisions around the use of personal devices in school.”

The department acknowledged the role cellphones can play in keeping parents connected to their kids, especially in emergency situations, while also highlighting the increasing evidence on the harms social media can have on youth mental health, such as sleep deprivation and depression.

An increasing number of states and school districts have enacted policies either prohibiting or restricting students from using their cellphones in the classrooms.

Across the country, schools and districts continue to grapple with how to deal with kids’ cellphone use, and more than

half of all states have sought to ban or restrict cellphone use in classrooms.

As of early November, at least eight states have passed statewide policies that either limit or prohibit cellphone use in the classrooms, according to KFF.

That includes California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia. A Minnesota law forces schools to adopt a policy on cellphone use by March 2025.

A handful of other states’ education departments have issued policy recommendations or pilot programs, while lawmakers in several more have introduced statewide legislation regarding cellphone use.

The guidance from the U.S. Education Department coincides

with the release of a resource for education officials and local communities on adopting cellphone use policies.

Cardona points to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s public warning in 2023 on social media’s effects on youth mental health.

Murthy warns: “More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.”

Shauneen Miranda of the States Newsroom’s Washington bureau contributed to this article.

Photo courtesy of Normandy Schools Collaborative

The summer 2024 graduates of Normandy High School will be among the last students who attended school in the Normandy Schools Collaborative to carry cell phones on campus. The district’s board has approved a ban on cell phones for students on all district properties.

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial Commentary

U.S. needs a new year ‘course correction’

By Janice Ellis

Have we put our president, members of Congress, state lawmakers and other elected officials on pedestals where we are willing to accept unlawful behavior that we do not tolerate from others?

It appears many politicians believe they are more entitled to take liberties with a code of conduct and the rule of law than the rest of us.

They do not.

In the new year, we will inaugurate a president and watch state lawmakers and members of Congress take sacred oaths of office. One of our resolutions should be to become less tolerant of unacceptable behavior that violates those oaths.

There are some important questions to keep in mind.

Do our elected officials act like they are entitled to exercise more or different power, privileges, or rights than the constitution and the people have invested in them?

Now that they are elected, are they focusing on concerns, issues and priorities different than those of the people who they represent?

Are they entitled to ignore and act in ways that are inconsistent with or intended to subvert our laws?

They seem hell bent on embracing and advancing a culture of divisiveness, and separateness — where promoting equal rights, equal access and equal opportunity for all seems to be outdated, a thing of the past.

We will do well to remember that what we are facing — this period of negativity or impending doom — is nothing new.

This country has been severely divided before. This country has seen racism at its worse. This country has been and continues to be plagued by sexism

The impact of these times at the state level mirrored that of the nation. The point is both the nation and state survived and endured.

We will continue to survive.

But will we endure and thrive if we continue to ignore our leaders’ disregard for the law, decency, and civility?

Many lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are already choreographing what they plan to do. Listen to what our president-elect is saying, our number one role model of what America is all about, as he prepares to occupy the highest office in the land. Look at a priority agenda item that is being set by some Missouri lawmakers. There are others

Members of Congress are telling us what they plan to focus on

Are we paying attention?

On a broader scale, and at the dawn of a new year, are we hopeful that America and Missouri will continue to improve on the journey of becoming the nation and a state that we can be proud of, want our kids and generations to build a fulfilling and meaningful life in?

When we hear and watch some of our leaders, it is easy to become discouraged because it seems they are hell bent on taking us back to an oppressive time.

If we continue to accept the deception, the lies and personal agendas that are advanced freely by those we have elected to represent us, how will be endure and thrive?

As another politically tumultuous year ends and a new state and Congressional legislative year begins, we can be the difference if we resolve to:

Not accept that political leaders are perched on pedestals, demand or have star power.

Trust and believe our eyes and ears and stop making excuses and offering alternative interpretations of what we are witnessing.

Remember elected officials only have the power, rights and privileges we have entrusted with them. No more. No less.

Be confident that the offices they are privileged to occupy do not allow for or bestow on the occupants the right to personal power grabs or other deviant behavior.

History has shown how one person can change the course of a nation, state, city for good or ill.

This new year is an opportunity to do a course correction, move forward and become better, languish, or go backward and become worse.

Missouri Independent columnist Janice Ellis analyzes educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status.

Commentary

We won’t back down from the battle

By Marc Morial

Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain.

These are the words of our brother Frankie Beverly, who sadly passed away this year. And they are the words that come to mind when reflecting on the past year’s work of the National Urban League and our 92 affiliates across the country.

The joy is that the Urban League Movement is stronger than we have ever been. We are serving more people than ever before, nearly 4 million people a year.

The combined operating budgets of our affiliate movement are the largest in history.

Our Reclaim Your Vote initiative, which we have just completed for the 2024 election season, reached millions of people through the media and personal contact.

Voters in every state were brought into the democratic process who might otherwise have been disenfranchised or discouraged by racially discriminatory voting laws and misinformation campaigns.

By Larry Smith

Why are we still so fascinated with “The Lion King” after three decades? It’s largely because of the centrality of fatherhood, as anthropomorphized by Mufasa (who was voiced by the late James Earl Jones).

As we head into a new year in which society is grappling with rapid change and mounting challenges, the role of fathers remains a cornerstone of stability and growth.

Yet, in too many homes – and in too many headlines — the critical importance of fatherhood is often overshadowed, minimized, or dismissed outright. It is time for us to confront the simple truth: strong fathers build strong families, and strong families build strong communities.

Fatherhood is not just about biology; it is about presence, guidance, and love. It’s about showing up, day in and day out, modeling integrity, instilling values, nurturing confidence, and offering correction. Too often, when we discuss family dynamics, the conversation centers almost exclusively on mothers. If the topic of fatherhood enters the discussion, it is often done solely to criticize them for their shortcomings.

stop conflating high out-of-wedlock birthrates with a lack of involvement from Black fathers.

In short, the fatherhood crisis does exist, but it is not based on race. To the extent that race does play a role, it has to do more with systemic inequalities. That is, economic and social pressures often place disproportionate burdens on Black fathers, thereby creating barriers to greater participation in family life.

Yet, it’s not just systemic forces; cultural narratives also bear some responsibility. Media portrayals of fathers (especially Black ones) as absent, incompetent, or disinterested reinforce stereotypes that often serve to discourage men from embracing the full spectrum of their parental responsibilities. Further, most economically dislocated fathers are not deadbeats; they’re simply dead broke.

We must challenge these negative narratives head-on. We need to highlight stories that uplift and celebrate fathers who defy the odds, who sacrifice and strive for their families every single day.

Consider the data: children who are actively engaged with fathers are less likely to drop out of school, commit crimes, engage in drug use, or fall into poverty. They are also more likely to thrive emotionally, academically, and socially. This isn’t just anecdotal evidence; it’s a consistent finding across decades of research. Yet, consistent fatherhood involvement remains a glaring crisis in many communities, including ours. It is crucial at this point to address the role of race in this discussion. Contrary to widely held belief, Black fathers are more actively involved in the lives of their children than are their white and Hispanic counterparts. This is based on studies from the CDC, Pew Research Center, and the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearing House. Crucially, this includes Black fathers who are not married to their children’s mothers, or who are otherwise not living under the same roof. We must

We must address systemic barriers. This means advocating for policies that support fathers, such equitable employment opportunities, criminal justice reform, and access to mental health services. It also means creating spaces where fathers can share their experiences and seek mentorship without judgment. This is important across all demographics, including race.

Fathers must take it upon themselves to rise to the occasion. Fatherhood is not a static identity; it is a daily commitment. It is being the steady hand that guides children’s growth and the reassuring voice that lets them know that they are loved — no matter what. It is about being there physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As much as children want presents, they need their dad’s presence. The importance of fatherhood cannot be overstated. It’s time that we treat it as the essential institution it is — a pillar of our homes, a foundation for our future, and a legacy that will echo for generations to come.

Larry Smith is a political columnist for the Indianapolis Recorder

able to accomplish, and we have accomplished it together. This is the triumph of collective power, collective will, determination and commitment.

Most joyful of all is the near completion of our future home, the National Urban League Urban Empowerment Center in Harlem. It’s significant because of its size — 18 stories, 414,000 square feet — and because of the homecoming it represents — we’re returning to the community that gave birth to our movement 115 years ago.

It will be New York City’s first museum dedicated to the American Civil Rights Movement and one of the only museums in the entire country to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the North.

This year, of course, has also brought pain. The presidential election feels like a painful setback for the issues we in the Urban League Movement hold sacrosanct: An inclusive democracy. Reproductive freedom. Economic opportunity.

Our advocacy helped pass the largest road and bridge building program in American history; the largest investment in broadband connectivity; the largest investment in manufacturing; and helped elevate, expand and make permanent the Minority Business Development Agency.

The NUL urged the Justice Department to launch dozens of investigations into brutal and corrupt law enforcement that brought the killers of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor to justice.

Our empowerment programs have helped people become homeowners. Helped people find good-paying jobs. Helped young people find a pathway to college. And helped returning citizens regain dignity and a good job.

I’m so proud of what we have been

The first Trump administration began with an inhumane act of religious discrimination, banning immigrants from majority-Muslim nations. It ended with white supremacists parading the Confederate flag through the U.S. Capitol as part of a plot to overturn an election.

The National Urban League has never backed down from a battle. We will demand diversity, equity and inclusion because all have a right to the American dream. And we will defeat poverty because a great nation must be committed to shared prosperity.

As Frankie Beverly sang, there will be sorrow, but you will endure. Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain. As we face the challenges of 2025 and beyond, we know that together we will endure.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Guest Columnist Janice Ellis Columnist Marc Morial

Ill., District 90 students at five elementary and two junior high schools who participate in the free and reduced lunch program.

New Life ‘Angels’ deliver new shoes to O’Fallon, Ill. kids

St. Louis American

The New Life in Christ Church ‘Community Angel Tree’ initiative has donated more than 500 pairs of new tennis shoes to students in O’Fallon School District 90 during the holiday season.

In 2023, church members purchased gifts for students attending Laverna Evans Elementary School in O’Fallon. This year, the holiday giving effort was extended to include students at the district’s five elementary and two junior high schools who participate in the free and reduced lunch program.

“In this season of giving, we truly appreciate the generosity of New Life in Christ Church members. The Angel Tree Community Shoe Drive brings so many

smiles to children, and support to their families,” said Carrie Hruby, O’Fallon District 90 superintendent.

Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr., New Life senior pastor, calls the initiative “very special for New Life in Christ.”

“When it’s hard to make ends meet, the pressure of buying gifts, especially this time of year for children, can be very stressful for parents,” said Dudley.

In addition to the shoe donation, New Life partnered with Project Compassion NFP of Belleville to provide vouchers for parents to shop for Christmas toys.

The gift-wrapped shoes were delivered to all District 90 schools the week of Dec. 15, 2024.

Many of our so-called allies let us down

By E. Faye Williams

In case you haven’t noticed, there is an uptick in the war on women. The tragedy is the war isn’t just coming from men. Hate is coming from every direction. If you didn’t notice it before, take a look at how many women voted in the Nov. 5, 2024, election.

Vice President Kamala Harris supported women’s rights at every rally. She never failed to carry the concerns of women, including Black women who always vote in our best interest.

Yet so many of our sisters with whom we have marched and protested with voted for Donald Trump.

It was a slap in our faces. It is now clear that we must reassess where we spend our time, and on which issues we concentrate.

Once the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we learned that Black women were dying in larger numbers. Yet, many of our white and Latino allies decided to vote for Donald Trump, who added ultra-conservative justices to the court.

Many of our so-called allies turned away their attention from the issue.

Body autonomy is not the only issue on which we were deserted.

Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby worked brilliantly for the people under her jurisdiction in Maryland. She worked for justice for those in her community and helped her colleagues in other areas. She was applauded by many.

n So many of our sisters with whom we have marched and protested voted for Donald Trump. It was a slap in our faces. It is now clear that we must reassess where we spend our time, and on which issues we concentrate.

She is now being selectively prosecuted for the great things she did. Trump and his allies continue doing the wrong things by threatening people who do the right thing.

After all the vulgar things he says and does, a majority of Americans chose him to be the nation’s leader. It’s insane.

District Attorney Fani Willis of Georgia has been stripped of her racketeering case against Trump and 18 of his aides and associates. The stunning ruling from a Georgia state appeals court pleased the already-convicted-34times Trump. New York Attorney General Letitia James is definitely doing her job, but Trump denigrates her because she’s making him pay for his wrongdoing. There’s a war on women, but most of them seem to be Black women who are just doing their respective jobs. Please do the right thing for one Black woman. Go to justiceformarilynmosby.com and sign the petition to have President Biden pardon before January 20, 2025 so she can go back to work.

E. Faye Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society (www.thedickgregorysociety.org)

Volunteers from New Life in Christ Church delivered more than 500 new pairs of tennis shoes to O’Fallon,

Photo by Daphne Dorsey

E. Faye Williams

Carter

Continued from A1

my daughter sneaking down the hallway — clearly ignoring my earlier admonition to stay in the room with the housekeeper, and which ended with “you cause me a problem I’ll throttle you, and I mean it.” Yes, well, before I could get to her, Mr. Carter looked down and said, “And whose little girl are you?”

Hannah looked up and saw his friendly face before she caught my very nonmaternal glare. My little darling stood up and within earshot of all, said, “I have to go back to that room, or my mother said she would throttle me.”

In front of God, the Secret Service and Jimmy Carter, I froze. Carter picked her up and said quietly, “I’m sure she didn’t mean it.” I stood, still frozen in my tracks,terrified of what she might say next. Mercifully when he picked her up he whispered something to her.

She smiled, looked at him and said, “For real?

Ok.”

He had told her that when he was elected president, I should bring her to the White House to meet his daughter Amy.

Allen

Continued from A1

Elementary School (formerly Daniel Boone Elementary School), and at Flynn Park Elementary School where she also served as Teacher-inCharge and later as Acting Principal. She also served as a district-wide reading specialist in the public and parochial schools.

In 1987, she was awarded Merit Teacher

Ball

Continued from A1

many traditional funeral service rites and traditions were altered or suspended.

The coronavirus changed how Americans grieve and cope, leaving many without a proper way to say ‘goodbye.’ Funeral and cremation service directors were suddenly forced to deal with an increase in in-home and online arrangements

He did, I did, and she did. Hannah and Amy met in the tree house behind the White House. There were me, Mrs. Carter, a female Secret Service agent and me.

Rest in peace, Jimmy Carter, one of the most humane presidents ever.

Hannah and I will always remember you.

Jimmy Carter died peacefully Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at 100 in his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to a statement issued by the Carter Center.

Elected the 39th President of the United States in November 1976, Carter served one term before being defeated by Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election.

“I grew up in a little village, unincorporated, named Archery, Ga., just a few miles west of Plains,” Carter, a former Georgia governor, said in a speech.

“We were surrounded by 55 other families who were African American. All of my playmates, all of my companions in the field – the ones I hunted with, fished with, wrestled with, fought with – were Black people.”

Ellen Sweets, a St. Louis American contributing editor, posted this remembrance of Jimmy Carter on Facebook.

status in the School District of University City, was selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year, was one of 10 finalists for the State of Missouri Teacher of the Year, and was nominated Economic Educator of the Year by the Center of Economic Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

After retiring from teaching in 1990, she tutored students at Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School for 27 years until the age of 92. In 2015,

all during a massive labor shortage in the industry.

Vanessa Pollard and her husband Jeffrey are second generation owners of Ronald L. Jones Funeral Home in North St. Louis. She recalled some of those painful moments.

“We had long, extensive hours trying to accommodate the mandates set by the city … and the CDC,” Pollard said.

“Oftentimes we could only have 10 family members at the service at a time with some having

Former President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at age 100, visited East St. Louis for a rally on Nov. 3, 1980, the eve of his presidential loss to Ronald Reagan. During his term in The White House, former East St. Louis Mayor Carl Officer met with Carter. Carter wrote, “To my good friend Carl Officer,” on this photo.

she was recognized by the School District of University City for 40 years of service and her many contributions to education in the district. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion for 57 years serving two terms on the Vestry, eight years as a church-school teacher, four years as church- school superintendent, and 10 years on the archives committee. In addition, she was a past President of the Circle in the Square

more than that just in their immediate families. So, we had to rotate (services) throughout the day to accommodate families as well trying to stay in compliance with laws and mandates.”

Kelvin O. Baucom, owner of Baucom’s Life Celebration and Cremation Center in Jennings spoke appreciatively of the origins of the Undertakers Ball.

“It came about at a time when none of us were able to come together for any type of outings or get-togethers,” Baucom said.

The ball today, Grice emphasized, “supersedes the stress we had during the pandemic.”

“Our primary purpose today,” he added, “is to award scholarships to young funeral service students, but we also take time to acknowledge our losses.

“Just last year alone, we lost quite a few of

NAACP

Continued from A1

Wash U.

The chapter is housed under the university’s African and African American Studies Department. Its goals are to register to vote as many students as possible, create civic-minded leaders and work to promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.

Barry, the student chapter president, canvassed the campus over the past few months trying to get as many students as possible to join the new chapter. She said she wants the organization to cultivate student activists and leaders. “My hope is for stu-

Quilters, and a former board member of the University City Residential Service and the Citizen’s Committee for University City Schools. She also was a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War serving as Patriotic Instructor and Press Correspondent for the St. Louis Julia Dent Grant Tent #16, and was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. An avid genealogist, she documented her family’s history dating back to

our pioneers such as Mr. Austin Layne, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas from Reliable Funeral Home as well as T. Herbert Cotton with Wade Funeral Home.”

Grice added that the ball gives those in the “death business” precious time to live.

“Most of the time funeral home directors are at the cemetery and don’t have the chance to congregate and meet with one another. They just see each other in passing. So, this is the time of year where everyone can meet and talk, enjoy fine dining and dance.”

What Pollard said she appreciated most about the ball was the ability to step outside the arena of competition and genuinely support one another.

“Our industry doesn’t have banker’s hours; it’s 24/7 around the clock,” Pollard said. “It was a good way to bring in col-

dents to leave off being civically engaged, caring about their community, wanting to do more, and knowing that the fight is not over and that we have to continue to advocate for the things that we need, and be a catalyst for change in every way, shape or form,” she said.

The NAACP was formed in 1909 to ensure the rights of Black people were protected under the law. The human rights group has over 550 youth chapters and councils. Harris-Stowe State University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville also have active student chapters. Over 50 members have already joined the newest charter at Wash U. Barry said starting the organization at WashU

her maternal great-grandfather who was born in 1780, four years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Willingham (Mark), granddaughter Amanda Willingham, cousin Cornelius Beaden, and a host of nieces, nephews, chosen family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Marcus Allen, and by siblings John Henry Myers, Adam Jerome Myers, Jr., Lewis Horace Myers,

leagues to celebrate and not be in competition with one another. We were in a safe zone; we came together to be celebrated.”

Throughout the evening, participants received “Power Couple, Removal Service and Printing Company” awards.

Vanessa Pollard said her father, Ronald L. Jones’ “Foundational Award” was well-deserved.

“My father, Mr. Jones, built a foundation not only for his own family where he’s leaving a legacy; we’re now working on our third generation,” Pollard said further stressing her father’s contributions: “He’s helped at least four funeral homes have their own businesses and we have supported every one of them with supplies, information or ways to organize their businesses.”

The ball was cosponsored by the Witherspoon Law Group, a firm known for representing personal

was challenging. She and other members met hurdles with the student union. The student union has bylaws that must be followed to charter an organization. However, the national chapter of the NAACP also has a constitution for youth branches. Barry did not want to compromise the organization’s standards, so the union and student chapter agreed to allow the chapter to be an extension of the African and African American Studies Department.

“We have campuses where the NAACP college chapter addresses what they perceive as being a discriminatory act or some type of racism showing this ugly head on campus,” said John Bowman, president of the

Charles Thomas Myers, and Rachel May Myers Pressley. A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 7401 Delmar, University City, MO 63130 on Jan.11, 2025, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Marcus Allen Memorial Scholarship at the University of Missouri-St. Louis or to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion.

injury and wrongful death victims and their families.

The Florida-based firm has operations in several states including Missouri. Grice said he’s unaware of any other major Undertakers Ball in the country. Because of the annual St. Louis event, he hopes that will change. He’s timing the Undertaker’s Ball in a couple years with the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Convention & Expo scheduled in St. Louis in 2026.

Baucom, thinks that’s a grand idea:

“It’s a great idea and a great way to honor those who’ve been in this business for 30 or 40 years and show appreciation for those you’ve given back to their communities.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

St. Louis County NAACP chapter.

“That chapter takes it to the proper authorities and raises their grievance, as well as informing us the adult branch of such occurrence, so that we allow them to operate just as the adult branch does.” He said all universities need to embrace diverse thoughts so that they can add value to society and college branches offer a safe space for those thoughts to thrive. The St. Louis County chapter is working to help charter more university branches in the area within the next year.

“It is important for us to create the next generation through action and allowing them to have the will and generate new leadership,” Bowman said.

Photo provided by James Ingram / Courtesy of the Officer family

Religion Keeping watch for God’s presence and freedom

By Dorothy Boulware St. Louis American

On Dec. 31, 1862, cloaked by what likely was a cold, dark night in the dead of winter, groups of Americans of African descent — some free, others still enslaved — gathered together in secret.

As a bloody war over their place in the nation raged, the African Americans took part in an age-old religious tradition of Wesleyan origin, marking the end of one calendar year and the beginning of another with prayer and reflection.

Instead of somber reflection on past sins and prayers to God for obedience and grace, however, the Black men, women, and children who huddled in dank cellars, in ramshackle slave quarters, or outdoors under the stars, waited anxiously as midnight slowly approached, when the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect — marking what they hoped would be freedom for themselves and their loved ones.

Most people in the Black community are familiar with Watch Night, one of the oldest cultural traditions of New Year’s Eve. Marked with late-night worship services in church, the event is usually followed by a fellowship meal or a love feast.

The great demonstrations of faith do not belie the remnants of superstition imported along with the ancestors. One is that a man had to walk through the entire house before any residents, especially women, to ward off any bad luck for the incoming year.

Another is the selection of particular foods to accentuate the meals: collard greens to assure the influx of money and black-

eyed peas with rice — Hoppin’ John— also for good luck. But the history of Watch Night is one of contradictions. Even in 1862, celebrated in secret, Watch Night was a time of celebration of the faithfulness of God, his goodness and his grace — a strange sentiment for people stolen from their homeland and held against their

will in chattel slavery. Although some elements have been altered by time and necessity, the tradition prevails in the Black community, regardless of war or hard times.

Modeled after the New Year’s Eve service begun by the Moravians, a 18th-century religious sect, and incorporated into Protestant worship by

Methodist theologian Rev. John Wesley, Black people adopted Watch Night and made it their own. Along with religious gratitude, they transformed it into an expression of gratitude, overlaid with anticipation of freedom and high hopes for their future.

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the first

Watch Night took place during the height of the Civil War.

“On the night of December 31, 1862, enslaved and free African Americans gathered, many in secret, to ring in the new year and await news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect,” according to the museum’s website. “Just a few months earlier, on September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the executive order that declared enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate States legally free.”

“However, the decree would not take effect until the clock struck midnight at the start of the new year,” according to the NMAAHC. “The occasion, known as Watch Night or ‘Freedom’s Eve,’ marks when African Americans across the country watched and waited for the news of freedom.”

The nature of Watch Night services hasn’t changed much except for the specified religious litanies designated by various denominations. Safety concerns have influenced the timing of services; some are as early as noon on New Year’s Eve, while others take place at 9 p.m. or later.

As congregants bow in prayer minutes before midnight, someone sings, “Watchman, watchman, please tell me the hour of the night.”

The minister replies, counting down the time: “It is three minutes to midnight.”

“It is one minute before the new year.”

Then, finally, he calls out, “It is now midnight — freedom has come!”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

The Rev. Earl Nance Jr., and Greater Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church holds an Emancipation Proclamation Celebration annually at the historic church on Jan 1. The service pays homage to the faith shown by Black Americans who celebrated the first Watch Night on Dec. 31, 1862, hours before Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation would become law.

‘Taking

Care of You’

Early childhood literacy connects dots in pediatric care

‘Literacy is a health issue.’

It is never too early to begin reading to a child, which should begin at birth.

also important in pediatric health care.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

“Reading makes a difference in the very beginning of a child’s life,” says Ready Readers Executive Director Angela Sears Spittal, who notes that early literacy directly connects to pediatric health care.

Reading time for parents and caregivers of young children should include books in bright colors, big visuals, simple words, rhymes, and contrasting colors. In other words, reading should be fun and interesting.

“Children should see themselves in the book,” said Sears Spittal.

She said when a pre-k student brings a book to you, they are looking for a story, and bonding time. The connection helps them remain calm and creates a sense of security and

n According to an American Academy of Pediatrics study, parents should begin reading to children at birth.

reading time helps prepare them for school readiness.

According to an American Academy of Pediatrics study, parents should begin reading to children at birth.

Sears Spittal says that shared reading helps develop social and emotional development in toddler-aged children.

“We know that literacy is a health issue,” she said.

The AAP research shows that it is helpful for pediatricians to offer liter-

acy promotion as a “practical and evidence-based primary prevention strategy in primary care practice to support early brain and child development.”

The study shows frequent reading sessions with infants and young children strengthens their relationships with parents and caregivers at a critical time in child development. It stimulates brain circuitry and early attachment.

A “positive parenting practice,” reading helps build the foundation for healthy social-emotional, cognitive, language, and literacy development, setting the stage for school readiness and providing enduring benefits across the life course.

The pandemic is still wreaking havoc on societal norms, including the development of early childhood learn-

LITERACY, A9

Reading should be a healthy habit

By Denise Hooks-Anderson

Thinking back on my childhood, I don’t necessarily remember my parents reading books to me for pleasure, but I do remember academics being extremely important in my household. My mother did not work outside of the home even though she taught school for a few years prior to marrying my father. However, she was my designated tutor for many years. I do recall her making me complete workbooks over the summer so that I would be prepared for the upcoming year. When I became a mother for the first time, I recall reading “Goodnight Moon” to my daughter over and over. I still have that book to this day and plan on sharing it with my first grandchild in the distant future. I think I personally took for granted that I grew up in a home where both parents graduated from college and that they were committed to ensuring my future by providing food, shelter, and a nurturing environment.

n The brains of children develop rapidly from the ages of birth to 5 years.

Now remember this was the 70’s. There was no cable, we had a landline phone, and it was forbidden to eat your meal in front of the television- the black and white one, I must add. You ate your meal at the dining room table, and you talked with the family. When you needed to research something for school, there was no computer but instead, an encyclopedia set. Who remembers those?

My home was not full of fancy things, nor did they have endless resources in the bank. What they did have was an environment that allowed my siblings and I to thrive. My parents were my first teachers. They provided the foundation upon which my school-

See ANDERSON, A9

Don’t overlook doctor appointments in ‘25

Follow Healthy People 2030 plan

By Anissa Durham Word In Black

As we look ahead to 2025, we need to continue to be proactive about our health care. With an upcoming second Trump administration, some in the Black community are fearful of what that can mean for health care access. But there are some practical steps we can all take to continue to care for our health as experts of our bodies. Preventive care screenings can reduce the risk of disease, disability, and death, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The Healthy People 2030 action plan, a government-backed initiative, has a goal of increasing the percentage of Americans nationwide who get the recommended preventative healthcare screenings. In 2015, just 8.5% of adults 35 years

and older received all the recommended clinical preventive services. That number dropped to 5.3% in 2020, which shows the most recent data available. Here is a short guide to five different health care appointments you can schedule for the new year, based on expert recommendations.

Primary care visit

Whether you have health insurance or not, it’s generally recommended to see a primary care physician at least once a year, and a new year is a good time to start. Dr. Bayo CurryWinchell, medical director at Urgent Care Clinics at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, says a doctor can be a trusted caregiver who sets the tone for a healthy year. “A primary care clinician’s role in the See DOCTOR, A9

Studies show that literacy is

Photo courtesy of earlylearningnation.com

Photo courtesy of American Heart Association

importance of

physician visits

list of

Denise HooksAnderson

‘Taking

Literacy

Continued from A8

ers. Many early childhood preschoolers are behind in their social and emotional skills, and early childhood educators share they are encountering more “temper tantrums.”

The National Institute of Health report shows that during the pandemic many school learning materials moved to digital formats including storybooks and textbooks. Children learned to use digital platforms for completing assignments and had fewer opportunities for reading and writing on paper. Handwriting was a fine motor skill that certainly suffered during the pandemic for many children.

There has been an increase in children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral disorders that may be a sequela of multiple changed experiences during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic for a child who may have already had some underlying risk.

Research from the First Five Years Fund shows infants and toddlers during the pandemic spent most of their earliest years at home, with limited opportunities to socialize or gain critical relationship skills. While many students have experienced academic “learning losses,” the impact on social development among young children may be more severe

in the long term than currently understood. Infants and toddlers had limited social interaction and play-based learning, and many experienced high levels of stress. Young children who have experienced pandemic-related chronic stress and trauma without the buffer of a nurturing supportive relationship can face an

increased risk of developing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems. Many young children have experienced delays in cognitive and motor skills, and programs have reported increases in behavioral issues. According to the research, babies born during the pandemic scored lower in gross

motor, fine motor, and social-emotional development than babies born before the pandemic. Children with poor or underdeveloped social and emotional skills display more challenging behavior, including anger, withdrawal, anxiety, and aggression. Many skills are gained and strengthened in interactions with

overall health landscape is to be your advocate and help coordinate all other care with referrals, screenings, and prescriptions,” she says.

“They can help you plan or order any screenings that will be needed in the next year, including mammograms and colonoscopies, and help you keep an eye on important health information like your cholesterol and blood pressure.”

During this visit, it’s a good idea to request blood work, blood pressure screenings, and have metabolic lab work done. These tests help detect changes in cholesterol, blood sugar, Hemoglobin A1c, or other emerging or chronic health conditions. They also are good indicators of organ functions and provide a general assessment of your health.

If you are living with a chronic illness or disease, however, you may need to see a primary care physician more often. Depending on your state and your insurance, your annual primary care visit might be free or may include a modest copay.

So, both you and your doctor can keep an eye on your health.

Continued from A8

teachers could build. Because of that support, I was able to achieve high literacy rates and math proficiency.

However, not all children were able to grow up in a situation like mine. A significant number of children grow up in homes

a book. Sears Spittal suggests reading signs during a walk or car ride, pointing out letters asking kids what sound it makes, or naming something that starts with that letter.

“Take reading beyond the book to whatever the child is interested in,” Sears Spittal advised. The literacy initiative program delivers high-quality new books to each classroom several times per year. Children receive their copies to keep and enjoy with their families at home. Teachers receive a classroom copy to have ready during reading time.

The non-profit has weekly reading and book programs, workshops, training for volunteer readers and teachers, and literacy-themed events outside the class all help to close the literacy gap. Over the last 25 years, Ready Readers has distributed 1 million books–focusing on under-resourced communities and providing culturally diverse books.

others and early learning settings, and thus they are also key predictors of school readiness, future academic achievement, and positive life outcomes.

Ready Readers has partnered with teachers and parents to help counter some of the negative developments from the pandemic by teaching parents that literacy is beyond

Reproductive

care screenings

Due in part to dismissal of care, Black women are disproportionately affected by late diagnoses of breast cancer diagnosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome. In a postRoe v. Wade world – and with far-right Republicans in power – it’s likely to be even harder for Black women to get reproductive healthcare.

But there are ways to maintain that part of your health. Dr. Faith Ohuoba, OB-GYN and Department Chair at Memorial Hermann Northeast, recommends scheduling routine pap smears and mammograms in advance to check and manage con-

where parents do not have basic proficiency in reading. Therefore, if there was no intervention, those kids could end up starting kindergarten extremely educationally delayed. The brains of children develop rapidly from the ages of birth to 5 years. The capacity of educational attainment during this time is amazing. This is the exact reason that early childhood education pro-

ditions common among Black women. She also advises speaking up for yourself in the exam room.

“As an advocate for women’s well-being, I emphasize the importance of women advocating for their reproductive health, particularly in light of recent policy changes and shifts in administration,” she says.

Dental visit

Often overlooked, oral health is a key indicator of overall health. Gum disease and tooth decay are directly linked to higher risks of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, asthma, and more. That’s why it’s important

grams are so important and the fact that President-elect Trump and his supporters are interested in dismantling the Department of Education and Head Start programs is quite concerning. It’s crucial that we capitalize on this narrow window of opportunity whereby we set children up for success. During these formative years, children are not only strength-

to schedule a dental visit for a professional cleaning and an oral checkup.

Melissa Burroughs, public policy director at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, says poor oral health can increase the chances of depression and mental health issues. Moreover, Black adults are 68% more likely than white adults to have an unmet dental need, according to CareQuest Institute research. And nearly 6 in 10 Black adults have lost one or more permanent teeth due to decay or gum disease, compared to 46% of all adults.

“Inequities within oral health, like those in other areas of health, have a racial dimension and have been driven by

ening their cognitive development but also their social-emotional development. It is with that in mind that The American Academy of Pediatrics along with other national organizations like Reach Out and Read have made it a priority to encourage providers to promote literacy to parents and their babies or young children. Providers are encour-

years of systemic racism,” Burroughs says. “A visit to the dentist is one of the top appointments that Black Americans should make for the new year.”

Update your immunizations

The new year falls right in the middle of cold and flu season, so now is the time to update immunizations for the flu, COVID19, and respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. If you are older than 50, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the two-dose shingles vaccine.

In a recent Pew Research Center survey, a mere 18% of Black Americans say they have

aged to provide books at well-child visits starting as early as 2 months. Parents are educated on the value of reading to their children regularly.

Research has shown that lower literacy rates are often correlated with higher incarceration rates. It is estimated that 50 to 70% of inmates have reading and writing skills below the basic level. So why would we be shocked

“Those early years are so important,” said Sears Spittal. To help close the literacy gap, whether it is due to poor environments or remnants of the pandemic, Sears Spittal advises limited screen time and hopes to encourage more pediatricians to talk with families about reading aloud to babies and toddlers.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

already received their updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which is available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices right now.

Mental health screenings

Suicide rates among young Black people continue to rise faster than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States. In a 10-year national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased, and in 2021, Black students were more likely than Asian, Hispanic, and white students to attempt suicide.

Moreover, an American Psychological Association survey found that only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men between the ages of 18 to 44 who experienced daily feelings of depression or anxiety accessed mental health services.

“Mental health check-ups are important but often overlooked,” says Shebna Osanmoh, psychiatric nurse practitioner. “Schedule annual mental health screenings, especially since Black communities are facing more stressors.”

at high recidivism with literacy rates like those?

Bottom line: reading to children early in their development and providing a safe, nurturing environment can improve outcomes later in life.

Denise HooksAnderson, MD, FAAFP, can be reached at yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Ready Readers volunteers visit classrooms in low-income communities to read aloud to young children, which can help build early literacy skills in preparation for kindergarten. Studies show that frequent reading sessions with infants and young children stimulates brain circuitry.

Photo courtesy of Ready Readers

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

In order for a computer to work, you will need to understand the basic parts of the computer: hardware, software, and input. Hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and monitor. Inside the computer, is the central processing unit (CPU). The hardware receives commands from the software. Software includes programs installed on the computer. This may include word processing systems or games. You provide the input by typing a command or clicking an icon, which tells the computer what to do.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

How Do Computers Work?

When you start the computer, the CPU tells the hardware to start certain programs. This is called “booting up.” Next, you will provide input when you choose what command you want to enter. If you want to surf the Internet, your input/demand is the process of typing in the web address, called the Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The browser software will interact with the modem to find the correct address and will display the information on your computer screen.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to gain background information.

Does practice make perfect? In this experiment, you will observe the effect that practice has on computer keyboarding skills.

Materials Needed:

Computer • Sample Text to Type

• Notebook to Record Results

Procedure:

q Choose a sample text that you will type on the computer. This may be a paragraph found in your textbook, or a story in the newspaper.

w How long did it take you to type the text? _________

e Calculate your typing speed as words per minute.

r Next, practice your keyboarding skills by practicing 10-15 minutes per day.

t After five days of practice, repeat step 1.

y What was your rate after practice? ________

MATH CONNECTION

When you are working with computers, you will need to be familiar with storage terminology. All of the data that you store takes up “space.” Each computer hard drive has a limited amount of space that can be filled. Use the approximate conversions below to answer the following math questions.

Speed

u If you would practice 10-15 minutes each day, what do you predict your score would be in an additional week?

Resources: To learn more about how to calculate words per minute, visit: http://www.typingtestnow.com

Analyze: How does practice affect performance?

Learning Standard: I can follow step-by-step directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results.

INVENTORS & INVENTIONS

FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Clarence “Skip” Ellis

Clarence “Skip” Ellis was born in 1943 in Chicago. His mother was a single parent with five children. At age 15, Ellis went to work to help his family pay the bills. He worked the overnight shift protecting an insurance company’s computer. In 1958, computers were rare and very expensive. In his spare time at work, Ellis studied the computer manual very carefully and learned a lot. He was able to put his knowledge to use one day when the company ran out of punch cards for a project. Ellis changed the settings on the computer and his employers were able to reuse the old cards.

Ellis’ high school teachers encouraged him to attend summer programs to learn more about math, science, and computers. In 1960, his church pastor helped him find a scholarship to Beloit College in Wisconsin. Ellis was discouraged to find he was the only African-American student on campus. Although it was difficult work and Ellis was lonely, he stuck it out and continued his education, even staying during winter and summer break to get caught up on his studies. During this time, Ellis was inspired by two events: he was allowed to help set up a computer that was donated to the college and he went to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. Ellis finally felt like he belonged.

Ellis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and physics in 1964. Next, he attended the University of Illinois, earning a graduate degree in computer science. In 1969, Ellis became the first African American to earn a doctorate degree in Computer Science. He has taught at Stanford University, the University of Texas, MIT, Stevens Institute of Technology, and in Taiwan. His research has been printed in numerous journals. Ellis helped develop the idea of clicking on icons to launch programs that became the basis for Apple’s and Microsoft’s operating systems.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about the contributions in science, technology, and math.

Computers are a valuable resource in today’s society. Many companies have begun marketing through computerbased methods, such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Look through the newspaper and find advertisements.

q How many advertisements include websites and Facebook links?

w Visit one of the websites found in the advertisement. What information is found on the website? Can you locate:

• the company’s physical address?

• the company’s telephone number?

q If you have a file that takes up 2,016 bytes, how many kilobytes does it fill? ______

DID YOU KNOW?

• the hours of operation?

• information about products/services available?

• email addresses for employees who can assist you with questions?

e What information would you add that is not included? Why?

Learning Standards: I can evaluate a website and find important information.

Photo by Cathy Sewell

Gluten free and EZ

STL entrepreneurs offer healthy bakery options

By Namratha Prasad St. Louis American

When moving from California back to St. Louis, business owners Jay Davis and Erica Garcia didn’t know how their west-coast gluten-free and vegan products would be received in the industrial midwestern city. But now with their products available at various coffee shops around the city, they said they are spreading the message of mindful eating and wholesome living through their brand, EZ Treats.

n They [Jay Davis and Erica Garcia] are spreading the message of mindful eating and wholesome living through their brand, EZ Treats.

“It’s really about health and the intention of what you’re putting into your body and being conscious of what you’re consuming and how it affects your everyday life and your everyday

health,” Davis said. Garcia was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when she was 24 years old. As a result of the disease, she was left looking for gluten-free options in desserts, which she found difficult, even in California.

“I just got in the kitchen and started experimenting and came up with some really great recipes and continue to,” Garcia said. “Then I was like, ‘You know what?’ I need to share these because I know that there are other people in the

See EZ TREATS, B2

Addressing the financial instability of renters

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Stacy M. Bown NNPA Newswire

According to a Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis report, on average, there are at least two non-Black or African American households that own a home for every non-Black or African American household that rents a home.

By contrast, the number of Black or African American households that own a home is consistently smaller than the number of Black or African American households that rent a home.

This is troubling on many levels – especially with the release of “A Profile on the Wealth and Financial Well-Being of Renter Households” by the Aspen Institute.

It highlights that renters today have a median net worth of just $10,400—a mere fraction of homeowners’ nearly $400,000 median net worth.

According to the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s report, “From Rent to Riches,” the disparity is not solely due to home equity.

While home equity makes up

$200,000 of homeowners’ median net worth, the remainder comes from other assets that renters typically do not own, such as stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, and business equity.

The report notes that 78% of

The number of Black Americans who rent as opposed to owning a home, apartment or condominium is consistently higher than that of white Americans, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. In addition, Black homeowners often are as debt-ridden as their counterparts who rent.

Banks to chair County Police Commission

Richard Banks

Richard Banks, a leading personal injury attorney in the St. Louis region, will serve as chair of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners. Appointed to the board in 2020, Banks had served as vice-chair in 2024. Banks has received numerous honors for his work both in the courtroom and in the community, including recognitions from the Missouri Bar, The National Bar Association, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the St. Louis American Charitable Foundation, and The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. He received the President’s Award from the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis in 2020.

Cordogan Clark announces promotions

Tiffany Dockins has been promoted to architectural designer/assistant planner at Cordogan Clark, and the architectural firm has announced the promotion of Mary Millender to human resources business partner.

Tiffany Dockins

Dockins had been working with the firm’s Saint Louis Public Schools District client and has been instrumental in its master planning process, architectural project coordination, project management, and client relations. Tiffany’s career goal is to have a balance between architectural design and planning.

Millender brings over 20 years of human resources, talent acquisition and people management experience to the Cordogan Clark staff. As the firm’s first human resources professional on staff and in her new role, her responsibilities include maintaining a culture of diversity, collaboration and creativity throughout the offices.

Opal Jones makes White House presentation

Opal M. Jones, Doorways president and CEO, made a presentation at The White House on December 5, 2024, as part of “Enhancing the Lives of People with HIV – A Quality of Life Symposium.”

The symposium included defining core aspects of quality of life for people living with HIV (including mental health, housing, nutrition, and employment), HIV and aging, and federal partnerships to achieve enhanced quality of life for people with HIV.

“This meaningful dialogue was seeking solutions and strategies to assure quality of life resources for people with HIV so they may thrive, not just survive—our focus here at DOORWAYS for many years,” Jones said.

Photo courtesy of NNPA

EZ Treats co-owners Erica Garcia and Jay Davis were joined by Rachel Closson (middle), owner of Slyvie Dee’s ice cream in Webster Groves, during the launch of a cookie collaboration with Closson’s gluten-free and vegan ice cream sandwiches. EZ Treats are available at coffee shops in the area, and Garcia and Davis are champions of mindful eating and wholesome living.

Photo courtesy of EZ Treats Instagram

Opal Jones

Mary Millender

Renters

Continued from B1

es, compared to 54% of homeowners. The limited cash flow makes it difficult for renters to save, pay off debt, and invest in assets that can build wealth.

Black and Hispanic renters are more likely to be cost-burdened than white and Asian renters. In 2021, 57% of Black renters and 53% of Hispanic renters were cost-burdened, compared to 44–45% of white and Asian renters. People of color are more likely to be low-income renters. In 2022, 20% of Black households, 18% of Native American

EZ Treats

Continued from B1 world who struggle with the same sort of issue.” Garcia said the trouble with working with gluten-free ingredients is that baking is a science. Every ingredient that is used in her recipes, she had to experiment with.

“There’s so many different gluten free flours, oats, rice, we use like a rice blend flour that seems to be really good for us, but I think just research and time really and trying it out,” Garcia said. “There are a lot of, different recipes that you can kind of gloss off on the internet, but you got to get in there and try it yourself.”

After the couple perfected their recipes and opened their business back in 2022, they moved back to St. Louis to care for Davis’ parents. They decided to keep the business running under the same model they had in

or Alaskan Native households, 15% of Latinx households, and 6% of white non-Latinx households were extremely low-income renters.

Black renters are more likely to have unpaid bills and rent debt than other renters. In 2021, 53% of Black renters reported having unpaid bills and rent debt, compared to 21% of white renters.

Renters saw a 43% increase in net worth between 2019 and 2022, outpacing the 34% increase for homeowners.

Pandemic-era support measures helped to spur the growth, allowing many renters to reduce debt and invest some of their earnings, researchers said. However, the end of

support programs and rising housing costs reversed those gains.

Rent prices surged by 27% from early 2020 to August 2022, exacerbating financial strain. Half of all renter households now spend a reported more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent, while 27% spend more than half of their income on housing. Experts said these rent burdens leave little room for saving or investing, perpetuating the cycle of financial instability.

The report identifies several systemic obstacles preventing renters from building wealth. Renters are more likely than homeowners to be burdened by student loan debt and late payments. Even though

renters’ median debt decreased slightly in recent years, 18% still struggle with overdue payments, double the rate for homeowners.

The median savings for renters is just $3,000, compared to $20,000 for the average household. Only 31% of renters have enough emergency savings to cover six weeks of expenses. Renters are also more likely to have subprime credit scores, limiting their ability to secure favorable loans for homes or businesses. Half of renters reported being denied credit or receiving less credit than requested, compared to 28% of homeowners.

The report unveiled several strategies to help

California. The pair take online orders on their website and sell their baked goods at coffee shops

such as Mountain House Café located on Macklind Avenue. But breaking down

EZ Treats

co-owner Erica Garcia bakes the gluten free treats the business sells in her commercial kitchen oven. Garcia was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease when she was 24 years old. As a result, she began a search for gluten-free options in desserts which led to her and co-owner Jay Davis opening the business.

renters achieve financial stability and build wealth, including increasing wages, expanding rental assistance programs, and boosting the supply of affordable housing.

Policies like the Housing Choice Voucher program and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) can help ease the rent burden.

Another pathway to building wealth is encouraging renters to save through retirement accounts and innovative asset classes like shared real estate ownership.

Programs like HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency program have shown success, with participating families saving an average of $9,500.

The report authors

“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh, this is just, you know, the trend.’ And I’m like, there is a trend of gluten-free and vegan, but like, it’s our lives. It’s not a trend for us,” Garcia said. Davis said he tries to meet people where they are, bringing in alternatives to store-bought sweets to communities of color, with the help of local organizations who believe in the company’s mission, namely Black Men Read, an organization that inspires literacy and social awareness among Black men.

“Growing up in the Black community, there’s a lot of hurdles to education,” Davis said. “There’s a lot of hurdles with I feel like stubbornness and unwillingness to learn, as well as just not being informed and not having the platform to even think about that.”

the stigma behind the gluten-free and vegan lifestyle remains a challenge for the couple.

Garcia, a California native said she was shocked by the difference in grocery stores in dif-

noted that with down payment assistance, improving credit scoring models, and increasing the supply of starter homes could assist in renters transition to homeownership.

The report’s authors have called on policymakers, financial institutions, and community leaders to prioritize renter-focused wealth-building strategies.

“We cannot achieve a more equitable economy without addressing the financial instability of renters,” the report concludes.

“All households, regardless of homeownership status, deserve the tools and resources to achieve financial security and resilience.”

ferent neighborhoods in the city. When she first moved to St. Louis, she was surprised that every Schnucks in the region has different food options, with more unhealthy food options in grocery stores in the city versus the county. She said the food deserts in St. Louis was a concept she had to get used to.

According to a study by the Missouri Coalition for the environment, 56% of residents in the city of St. Louis are low-income families with low food access within a half mile of them. With this in mind, the couple said they want to increase access to good food in communities they interact with.

“We’ve said from the beginning that this isn’t just a bakery, this isn’t just a dessert company,” Garcia said. “This is a mission to educate and help people all around the world learn about food, education and nutrition and helping people heal themselves.”

Photo by EZ Treats

n “I wanted Jayden Daniels to break my rookie rushing record. I’m not rooting against the next generation.”

– Robert Griffin III on Daniels breaking his Washington Commanders mark

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Incarnate Word wins topflight Viz Tournament

To visit one of the state’s most outstanding girls’ basketball tournaments, travel no farther than Visitation Academy.

The Viz Tournament is the place to be if you want to see high caliber players and teams that will compete and win state championships. The gym is packed as folks come from all over the city and different parts of the state to check out the action.

College coaches from all over the country also find their way to St. Louis to see the multitude of excellent prospects in action.

As always, the featured team at the Viz Tournament is the nationally ranked Incarnate Word Academy Red Knights, which rolled to another championship last week.

a 6’3” junior forward, grabbed 13 rebounds and blocked two shots.

Lift for Life is a talented team that won the Class 4 state championship last season. The Hawks will be one of the favorites to win the Class 5 title this season. They were led by sophomore guard Cara Manuel, who scored 17 points.

In the third-place game, Troy defeated Cardinal Ritter 52-51.

Vashon, Principia bring home titles

Vashon and Principia took their talented teams on the road for the holidays, and both won tournament titles after defeating the host team in the championship game.

Incarnate Word defeated Lift for Life 65-47 to win its seventh consecutive Visitation Tourney championship. The victory also ran the Red Knights’ state-record winning streak to 138 games.

Incarnate Word was led by its stellar senior duo of Peyton Hill and Nevaeh Caffey. Hill, an Eastern Michigan recruit, had a brilliant game with 26 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Caffey, who is headed to Indiana, added 23 points. Junior guard Peyton Olufson added nine points as she knocked down three big 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. Neveah Lucious,

Vashon won the Poplar Bluff Showdown after defeating the host school 81-28 in the championship game last Saturday. Senior guard Terron Garrett scored a game-high 18 points to lead the Wolverines. Trey Williams Jr. and Dorea McCaskill added 11 points each. The Wolverines battled past a tough Staley team from Kansas City 60-51 in the semifinals last Friday night.

Principia won the championship of the Rolla Oral Surgery Tournament on Saturday, defeating the host Bulldogs 68-50 in the finals. Junior guard Quentin Coleman led the Panthers with 22 points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals. Sekou

CBC forward Matthew Michalski (35) looks for an open teammate as Ladue’s Haydan Arnold (20) defends during third-quarter action Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Rams of Ladue went on to defeat the Cadets of CBC 80-62 and run their undefeated record to 9-0.

Cisse, a 6’9” sophomore had 14 points while Gassim Toure had 11 points. The Panthers are now 9-0 on the season, with victories over

Sikeston and Father Tolton on their resume.

Earl’s World Tierra Simon was

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

named Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Player of the Week on December 23, 2024. In a victory over Valparaiso, she recorded 12 points and

14 rebounds. Simon then had a career performance in a win over Bellarmine, registering a career-high and A-10 best 17 rebounds and matching her personal best with 16 points…

While Arizona had struggled to a 6-5 record in college basketball, St. Louisan Caleb Love is leading the Wildcats with 15.2 points per game… Jameson Williams, a star with Cardinal Ritter and then Alabama, posted the best game of his career in the Detroit Lions’ victory over the Chicago Bears last week. He snagged five receptions for a careerhigh 143 yards and a touchdown. Entering the Monday night game at San Francisco, Williams had 990 yards receiving and should eclipse 1,000 yards this season. Remember, he also missed two games because of a PED suspension…Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter made good on their promises to play in Colorado’s bowl game. However, the season-ending Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas was a dud, with the Buffaloes being trampled by an inspired BYU team 36-14…The lineup is set for the Highland Shootout which begins Saturday January 4, 2025, at Highland (Illinois) High School. The event features teams from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Texas. Among the games of interest are Highland vs. Webster at 10:30 a.m., DeSmet vs. Moline at noon, and Vashon vs. Quincy at 4:30 p.m.

25 sports things I’d like to see in 2025

The new year is here and to begin Earth’s annual journey around the sun, here are 25 things I want to occur in sports during 2025.

Let’s make it ‘Reid Roundup’ style. I’d like to see… The Kansas City Chiefs win an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid. If it occurs the GOAT talk at quarterback and head coach has a pair of new candidates…Luther Burden III surprisingly drafted by the Dallas Cowboys after the team deals either Micah Parsons or Trevon Diggs to land a higher selection…St. Louisan Kyren Williams lead the L.A. Rams to a deep run on the NFC playoffs with an epic performance at running back…Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams, who played at Cardinal Ritter, show out in the playoffs…Running back Jeremiyah Love, STL native, and coach Marcus Freeman lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the first 12-team College Football Playoff title…Brian Flores,

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator who has a pending racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, get a second chance as a head coach after he was stabbed in the back in Miami…Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn get a NFL head coaching position, possibly Dallas Jerry Jones because he is quite deserving…Former Colorado stars Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders avoid being drafted by the New York Jets or New York Giants respectively in the 2025 NFL Draft and especially avoid Aaron Rodgers wherever he is playing next season…The return of an HBCU college football game to St. Louis, featuring Tennessee State University with star receiver Karate Brenson who played at CBC, and coach Eddie George against the Delaware State Hornets and new coach DeSean Jackson…Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum win the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player award, and a second consecutive NBA Finals title…Should Boston not win, Steph Curry and the Golden

State Warriors win the crown with the help of Jimmy Butler and/or Joel Embiid, who join GSW in trade deadline deals with the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers…A Jayson Tatum-led group secure a WNBA franchise for St. Louis, which would be called the St. Louis Spirit…Big-time SLU backer and NBA fan Richard Chaifetz partner with local billionaire David Steward to seriously look at bringing an NBA franchise to St.

Louis…Local son Bradley Beal, who had missed 10 of the first 31 games for the Phoenix Suns, to remain healthy the remainder of the season… Beal and Tatum lobbying NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to schedule a preseason game in St. Louis between the Celtics and Suns…Coach Dennis Gates and his Missouri Tigers receive a NCAA Tournament bid and post a win or two; only to lose to KU in a rematch game following the whoop-

ing my Jayhawks took at the Tigers’ claws in December…USC’s JuJu Watkins lead the Trojans to a NCAA Women’s Tournament Final Four and a stellar WNBA rookie season that reminds fans the game is bigger than Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese…The St. Louis Blues, who feature twin players of color Mathieu Joseph and Pierre-Olivier Joseph, scratch and claw their way into the NHL playoffs…Jordan Walker hit .250 with 20 home runs and 85 RBI as the St. Louis Cardinals starting right fielder during the upcoming season… Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn avoid a ‘sophomore slump’ and be selected for the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta…Outfielder Victor Scott III have a solid spring training and make the Cardinals’ Opening Day roster… Cardinals pitching prospect Tink Hence advance to Triple-A Memphis from Double-A Springfield and then to St. Louis where he pitches well during the second half of the season…San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt who the Cardinals fired two years ago, lead his team past the vaunted L.A. Dodgers and into the World Series…Me at the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y. on July 27 to witness the respective enshrinements of Dave Parker and the late Dick Allen…Black pitching ace CC Sabathia secure 75% of ballots on Jan. 21 and earn induction into Baseball Hall of Fame, and the same for former Philadelphia Phillies star Jimmy Rollins… A Happy New Year to all!

Hopefully, Jordan Walker makes 2025 his breakout season.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

A legal challenge pending

About 57% of Missouri voters supported Proposition A on November 5th, 2024, and passage of the ballot measure will increase the minimum wage to $13.75 on January 1, 2025 and $15 on January 1, 2026.

In addition, on May 1, 2025, workers can begin earning up to seven paid sick days per year.

“This raise shows what happens when workers come together to create change,” said Gabriella Love, a nursing home worker in St Louis.

“Many workers in my profession don’t make $15/hour. That leads to workforce shortages in our nursing home facilitieswhere many of our loved ones receive care. That simply is not right and will no longer be our reality.”

Minimum wage increase becomes law on Jan. 1, 2025

According to Missouri Jobs With Justice, raising the minimum wage “is a proven strategy that helps workers, families and our economy thrive.”

The increase will raise wages for nearly 440,000 MO workers, injecting over $365 million into the Missouri economy. One in five Missouri children live in a home that will see an increase in household earnings. This increase in wages will have positive ripple effects that benefit all Missourians as low wage workers spend their increased earnings in local communities.

Research by mobudget.com shows that during the phase-in of Missouri’s last minimum wage increase, Missouri’s unemployment rate went down at a rate higher than the national average and higher than each of Missouri’s neighbors that did not increase the minimum wage.

This is consistent with prior research that

following the passage

suggests increases in the minimum wage increase employment, in part by reducing turnover among employees.

“Working families are the drivers of the economy,” said Caitlyn Adams Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action executive director.

“We are proud to take another step forward in building an economy that

works for all.”

A group of businesses filed a legal challenge shortly after the election claiming that the result should be thrown out because it violated constitutional rules on ballot initiatives.

Election results should be overturned because of several constitutional violations, including alleged violations of the state con-

stitution’s single-subject requirement

Plaintiffs include the Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

“While Proposition A is bad policy and will have

extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action,” according to a coalition statement.

“Instead, the election irregularities and the constitutional violations are so significant that the election results must be overturned, and Proposition A must be declared invalid.”

Marilyn McLeod, president of League of Women Voters of Missouri, called the lawsuit “anti-democratic” and “reprehensible” in a press release.

“These special interest groups could have raised their legal concerns at any other point in the process before the measure appeared on the ballot,” McLeod said.

“We are appalled that judges will be asked to overturn the wishes of the Missouri electorate,” she added, “but we are confident that they will see that wages and benefits are clearly part of the same subject on compensation and will reject this lawsuit.”

Metro to hold East St. Louis hiring event on Jan. 11

$5K signing bonuses available

Metro Transit will host a hiring event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025, p.m. at the Illinois MetroBus Facility located in East St. Louis at 801 North 47th Street. On-site interviews will be provided for attendees interested in Metro Mechanic, Metro Call-A-Ride Operator and MetroBus Operator positions, with instant job offers provided for qualified candidates. Interviews for MetroBus operators will be conducted for both full-time and part-time applicants.

A $5,000 Signing Bonus is still available for Metro Mechanics and Metro Electricians. Applicants

who are interviewed and offered a mechanic position at the event will be eligible for the $5,000 signing bonus, which is distributed over the first year of employment.

Electrician candidates will not be interviewed on January 11, and

interested individuals should apply online at WorkAtMetroSTL. com so an interview can be scheduled. To speed up the in-person process on January 11, applicants are encouraged to learn more about these positions and apply

Photo courtesy of KSHB Kansas City

Terrence Wise, a Missouri Workers Center board member, speaks during a victory rally

of Proposition A on Nov. 5, 2024.

Living It

A musical destiny

Former spouses Alicia and Michael Olatuja reunite for latest album

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

When St. Louis native Alicia Olatuja sings the first line of the song “Kadara,” it has the power to make the breath leave one’s body.

Despite the calmness of the music and her delivery, the tone of her voice paired with the weight of her words will have a listener ready to shout “amen” with the fervency of a storefront church congregation. “You have the answers inside, you’ll see,” Alicia Olatuja sings to a rhythm set by her ex-husband Michael Olatuja, who co-wrote the song and plays bass on the record. “And those who look upon your life’s journey, may question the vision they were never meant to see.”

n “You know when you’ve done something that is going to touch people when you hear it and you are immediately inspired.”

- Alicia Olatuja

The song is the third track on their album “Olatuja,” which was released this summer.

“Kadara” is a Yoruba word that translates to destiny – which best describes the renewed musical partnership of the former spouses, and their latest collaboration. “For me, it’s a testament of how you value people in your life,” Alicia said of their latest album and musical reconnection. “Even though things may not go the way you intended them to, sometimes there is a different plan – a greater plan. You surrender to that and you realize that you can love people in many ways.”

Known separately as artists in their own right, Alicia and Michael Olatuja were husband and wife creative partners known collectively as Olatuja Project. Their 2011 album “The Promise” was met with critical acclaim. Life happened. There was a personal and professional split. Their relationship evolved into a friendship. During the pandemic, Alicia listened to “The Promise” as she lived through the lockdown.

“It was like a balm that was soothing to what I was feeling at the time – the

“Becoming a movie star. Mother’s mastered the small screen.”

Acclaimed TV actress Niecy Nash on her goal for 2025

Where history and imagination meet

Bestselling author Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes will discuss her latest historical novel ‘Will’s Race for Home’ as part of the St. Louis County Library’s 2025 Black History Celebration programming on Tuesday, January 14th.

County Library to celebrate Black History with author Jewell Parker Rhodes

isolation of what the country and the world was going through,” Alicia said.

“I wanted to express myself musically, but not being able to have an outlet to do that, because of the quarantine and all of that. I remember it felt so good to listen to that music.” She thought about how they had grown musically in their

separate endeavors, her as a vocalist and him as a bassist and musical director. Alicia wondered about the type of music they could create if they were to reunite as artists.

See Olatuja, C3

Sir Eddie C re-emerges

New music showcased at third installment of rapper’s concert series

By Zaria Mac

The St. Louis American

The ever elusive Sir Eddie C has resurfaced with a new hip-hop album called “Spaceship.” Where did he go? Why did he leave in the first place? No one knows. All that can be said is that when he reemerged, he brought six new songs displaying the lyrical range and creativity he developed while hiding away. The Belleville native debuted his new music at the latest Sir Eddie C and Friends concert this weekend at Atomic by Jamo. Saturday’s show was the third installment. “With the Sir Eddie and friends show I get to look forward but also look backwards too,” Eddie said.

Sir Eddie C and Friends III opened with hip hop veteran Blvck Spvde. His

set resembled poetry. The lyrics transcended from songs and entered into a world of performance art. His most powerful sentiment was “If you have love you have a community of belonging

that comes with it”. This resonated with the audience, which felt like a crowd of

See Eddie C, C3

By American Staff

St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Reading Garden Series for Young Audiences and The Novel Neighbor will host a 2025 Black History Celebration event with award-winning middle grade children’s book author Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes. She will discuss and sign her latest historical novel for young readers, “Will’s Race for Home.”

n “Will’s Race for Home,” is a thrilling adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush–if they can survive the journey.

“Reading historical fiction, you travel back in time into the past,” Rhodes said during a video interview with Kid & The Wolf. “And through your imagination – and the author’s characters – you get to experience it.” Rhodes will be in conversation with Julius Anthony, president of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and founder of The Believe Project.

The event will take place on Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch. Books will be available for purchase and signing from The Novel Neighbor. With “Will’s Race for Home,” the bestselling and award-winning author goes West in a thrilling adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush–if they can survive the journey.

“Historical fiction stimulates your mind because you learn new things about history,” Rhodes said. “But it also stimulates your heart and it tells you a great story. We come up with new worlds and in a sense a new life to live.”

Will and his family are Black sharecroppers in Texas in 1888, where “share-

See Book, C3

Photos courtesy of Greg Miller

Former spouses St. Louis native Alicia Olatuja and Michael Olatuja rekindled their musical partnership with the genre-bending album ‘Olatuja.’ The album seamlessly blends their musical influences, which range from West African to jazz, R&B and gospel.

Photos by Taylor Marrie

Sir Eddie C, who has been making a name for himself on the St. Louis music scene in recent years, presented the third installment of his Sir Eddie C and Friends concert on Saturday, December 28 at Atomic by Jamo.

St. Louis American Calendar

STL Sites & Sounds

CONCERTS

Sun., Jan. 12, 6 p.m. Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Whitney Houston on Strings, Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, 63121. For more details, visit www.umsl.edu.

Fri., Jan. 10, 6 p.m. Meshell

Ndegeocello “No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin,” City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, mo 63110. For more information, visit https:// citywinery.com.

Fri., Jan 31, 7:30 p.m. Beethoven X Beyoncé, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Sat., Jan. 11, 2 p.m., The 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Kick-Off Program for Missouri, Dr. Henry Givens Administration Building, main auditorium, Harris-Stowe State University. This year’s theme is “Harmony in Action: A Journey Towards Unity and Hope.” Visit https://www.facebook.com/MissouriMLK for more information.

Thurs. Jan. 16, 5 p.m. Thursday Nights at the Museum: Documentary Screening: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https://stlouis. washu.edu.

Mon., Jan 20, 2 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration: The Annual Celebration, Graham Chapel, 1 Bookings Dr. Saint Louis, MO 63130. For more information, visit https://stlouis.washu.edu.

Through Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. Alma’s Way: Welcome to my Neighborhood!, The Magic House, 516 S Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122. An immersive experience for children. For more information, visit www. magichouse.org

COMEDY

N Boyle Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63108. For more details, visit https://bluestrawberrystl.com.

Thurs., Jan. 9 p.m. DJ Mahf & DJ Vthom DJ Residency Showcase, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, 3333 Washington Ave. Saint Louis, MO 63106. For more information, visit https://kranzbergartsfoundation.org.

THEATRE

Fri., Jan. 24 - Feb. 9, 8 p.m.

“Pictures of a Revolution” by Italian playwright Tino Caspanello, The Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63103. For more details, visit www.upstreamtheater.org.

Wed., Jan. 8 - Jan. 9, 7 p.m., The Black Rep presents “Chicken and Biscuits” by Douglas Lyons, The Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., Saint Louis, MO. For additional dates and times, visit www.theblackrep.org

Fri., Jan. 10 - 11, 7 p.m., A New Line Cabaret VI: Broadway Noir, The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

ART

Wed., Jan 15, 7:30 p.m. Damon Williams: Capricorn Comedy Bash, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, mo 63110. For more information, visit https:// citywinery.com.

Thurs., Jan 16, 8 p.m. Prince T-Dub, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. Saint Louis, MO 63117. For more details, visit https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

Sun., Jan. 12, 8 p.m. Kerwin Claiborne, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria St. Saint Louis, MO 63117. For more details, visit https://st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Sat., Jan. 4, 6 p.m. Root Mod, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, mo 63110. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Wed. Jan 8, 9:30 p.m. Kendrick Smith’s Open Jam for Composers, Musicians and Vocalists, Blue Strawberry, 364

Through Feb. 9, 2025, Great Rivers Biennial featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108. For more information visit www. cam-stl.org.

Through Feb. 16, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

The Black Rep will open their 48th season with the comedy ‘Chicken and Biscuits’ written by Douglas Lyons. See THEATRE for more information.

Known separately as artists in their own right, Alicia and Michael Olatuja were husband and wife creative partners known collectively as Olatuja Project.

Olatuja

Continued from C1

“I called him and said, ‘Look, I say we give this a shot,’” Alicia said. “He was just so down.” What she didn’t know at the time is that Michael had received his own sign. He was performing in Nigeria and a woman came up to him and started singing a song from “The Promise.” “I was really excited because I knew that whatever we would do would be absolutely amazing,” Michael said. “The respect never left. We’ve always had high regard for each other, despite going different ways personally.”

It was “Kadara” that let Alicia know that they

Book

Continued from C1

cropping isn’t much better than being enslaved.” When the land rush in Oklahoma is announced, twelve-year-old Will and his father set off to claim land for the family.

They set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free—if they can get to it fast enough. But the journey isn’t easy—the terrain is rough, the bandits are brutal, and every interaction carries a heavy undercurrent of danger.

“Will’s Race for Home” was the 2024 selection of

Eddie C

Continued from C1

friends thanks to a very familiar and laid back atmosphere.

Songstress AIDA ADA was up next. Backed by a talented band, her sound resembled the vocal stylings of Amy Winehouse. AIDA’s work as a therapist informs her music. Most of her songs include themes of mental health and are life stories with messages of hope. Her music is also inspirational in that it encourages others to lean into their gifts and talents, just as she has done. The concert ended with a high energy set by Sir Eddie C himself – and an opportunity to share music from “Spaceship” with his fans.

His last project “Gelato” was released two years ago. It featured melodic

were on the right path. “I remember meeting up with Michael and he was playing what he came up with so far,” Alicia said. “It was just a shell of ‘Kadara.’ But it was so good.” It was a sound that she hadn’t heard from him before. “I was listening to one of the many ways Michael has evolved as an artist, as a musician and as a creative,” Alicia said. “You know when you’ve done something that is going to touch people when you hear it and you are immediately inspired.” They went on to create an album that blends Michael’s Yoruba culture and other sounds of West Africa with Alicia’s musicality. She is a classically trained mezzo-soprano with roots in gospel, jazz and R&B. “I’ve worked

the Junior Library Guild. Rhodes is the author of several books for youth, including “Ghost Boys,” “Black Brother, Black Brother,” “Paradise on Fire,” and “Treasure Island: Runaway Gold.”

She is the recipient of many distinguished awards and honors, including the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, the Green Earth Book Award, an NAACP Image Award nomination, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, and the Octavia E. Butler Award. Rhodes is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University. “I’ve lived a thousand different lives through my

songs which he describes as “a little too cute.”

Though not his preferred style, this softer approach to rap granted him the opportunity to perform at the Saint Louis Art Museum three times, and at Music at the Intersection 2024. Even though he found success he believes, “Hip hop is at its best when it still has its edge.” Each song on his new project gave him the opportunity to display just how his craft has elevated during his hiatus. “I haven’t put a song out that feels like ‘Let My Hair Down,’” Eddie said. “The R&B Eddie stuff was cute and funny, but I’m still a rapper.”

He wanted to use this concert to test run the new sound and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The largest crowd reaction came from his older music. “Groovy Pt. II got a really cool reaction,” Eddie said. “Because people who

with many people –many brilliant musicians and brilliant minds that inspired me tremendously,” Alicia said. “But I do believe that there is a synergy that happens in the creations that Michael and I create together musically. It is so unique. The blending of our sounds, our experiences and our worlds creates something that I have not heard.”

“Olatuja” is something they are both proud of –for their willingness to trust the universe, and for the music that was a byproduct of their obedience.

“I feel really proud and encouraged,” Michael said. “I want the music to give people hope.”

“Olatuja” is available for download on all major streaming platforms.

imagination,” Rhodes said. “Sometimes when I’m writing, I feel it. I experience it. I feel as though I’ve learned about the past and that I’ve also learned about myself and I’m taking you [the reader] on the journey with me.”

The St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Reading Garden Series for Young Audiences and The Novel Neighbor 2025 Black History Celebration with Dr. Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th at the Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis MO 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org or call 314-9943300.

listened to me before the pandemic loved this song when they were trapped in the house.”

His new sound gives a blend of Smino and Andre 3000, but in a manner that is uniquely Sir Eddie C. He also unveiled a new look at Saturday’s show. Eddie’s red and white letterman jacket was still vintage, but far from the lively pastels he previously wore. His headlining set culminated with a performance of “Bounce II.”

Featured artists KV the Writer, Zado, Jerri, Brock Seals, and Nikee Turbo joined him on stage for the finale and invited the audience to participate with a call and response. He’s done this at previous concerts, but the experience was amplified due to the larger crowd and bigger venue.

“It might start small,” Eddie said. “But as long as you execute your ideas at a high level, people will show up for you.”

Celebrate Missouri Emancipation Day

By Cicely Hunter, Missouri Historical Society

The Missouri History Museum will host a program celebrating Missouri emancipation on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The program will commemorate January 11, 1865, when the delegates of the Missouri State Constitutional Convention passed the immediate emancipation of all enslaved people in the state. This ordinance was passed just three weeks before Congress proposed the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution to abolish slavery, but several years after the earliest attempt during the Civil War.

When Major General John C. Fremont of the Western Department, headquartered in St. Louis, declared martial law on August 30, 1861, he also proclaimed that enslaved people in Missouri were free if their enslaver fought against the Union or gave loyalty to the Confederacy. President Abraham Lincoln, as well as Union supporters in Kentucky, Missouri, and Maryland, feared that this action would push those states into the Confederacy. Lincoln asked Fremont to modify the proclamation to align with the First Confiscation Act that Congress had passed on August 6, which authorized the federal government to confiscate any property used to support the Confederacy, including enslaved people. When Fremont refused to do so, Lincoln revoked the order and removed him from his position.

The following year, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which went into effect on January 1, 1863.

Enslaved people were freed in the Confederate states, but Lincoln did not have the authority or power to enforce the proclamation until those states came under Union command, and it did not apply to slave states like Missouri that remained in the Union.

Throughout the war, the institution of slavery was threatened as Black people sought to self-emancipate, join the war effort against the Confederates, and enact everyday forms of resistance. Enslaved people who were self-emancipated were issued certificates of freedom under a general order, and countless enslaved people who had reached Union lines were now considered “contraband of war” and deemed free. Many headed to Kansas while some settled in St. Louis, often in “contraband camps.”

One contraband camp was at the Missouri Hotel at Main and Morgan streets. General Samuel Curtis, the Union commander in Missouri, established another camp along the riverfront

called “Camp Ethiopia,” and a third camp was later established at Benton Barracks. Many scholars consider these contraband camps to be the foundation of the Black community throughout the South and border states. They were places to reunite families separated by slavery, re-establish Black churches, build functioning hospitals, create schools, find shelter, secure employment, and build a foundation for life as free people within American society.

The camps in St. Louis were considered relatively safe, but there was an ever-present threat of being kidnapped and sold further south. Free Black St. Louisans and Black and white organizations worked to transition newly arrived formerly enslaved people into life as freedmen and women within St. Louis. Union soldiers also traveled throughout border states like Missouri encouraging Black people to enlist in the 62nd Colored Infantry. It is estimated that about 180,000 Black soldiers fought in the Union Army.

As a result of a long, tense, and bloody war, Black people around the country joined in recognition of their freedom, though racial discrimination, violence, and prejudice persisted. Proslavery advocates vehemently disagreed with abolishing slavery and went as far as threatening violence against Black people who remained in Missouri.

After the Missouri State Constitutional Convention abolished slavery, an article in the Daily Missouri Democrat declared, “Missouri is free. Emancipation, real, genuine, radical emancipation is achieved. This is a victory equal to any event won upon the field of battle, and as such deserves to be commemorated . . . The deliverance of the State from slavery ought not to be passed over as an ordinary occurrence. There should be some public manifestation of rejoicing.”

The Thursday Nights at the Museum program on January 9 will present the history of Missouri emancipation, followed by a conversation with representatives from St. Louis–area sites that are part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. The mainstage presentation will begin at 6:30pm. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Key Bistro starting at 5pm, and local organizations will host resource tables about Black history. The Thursday Nights at the Museum series is presented by WashU.

John C. Fremont is the subject of an upcoming book from the Missouri Historical Society Press, which will be published in fall 2025.

African American History Initiative programming is presented by Wells Fargo.

Photos courtesy of Greg Miller

LETTING #8784

RENOVATIONS TO FIELDHOUSE AT FOX PARK ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Electronically sealed bids will be received by the Board of Public Service through the Bid Express Online Portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true

Proposals must be submitted before 1:45 PM, St. Louis Time, on Tuesday, JANUARY 28, 2025. The proposals will then be publicly opened and read.

The bidder must pay $50 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

An optional pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held at the Fox Park Fieldhouse 2716 Shenandoah Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63104 on January 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies.)

The right of the Board of Public Service to reject any or all bids is expressly reserved.

VISITOR MAP BROCHURE RFP 2025

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 2/2/25 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway is requesting qualifications for Property Appraisal Companies and Title and Closing Companies. Go to https:// greatriversgreenway. org/vendors/ for details and submit by January 31, 2025.

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 28, 2025, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using the “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home. The bidder must pay $50 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available. Plans and Specifications may be examined using the Bid Express Online Portal as well and may be downloaded for free.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on January 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The prebid conference will be held in Room 325 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. NOTE: Contractors that attended the pre-bid meeting for SP-121 (Letting 8780), SP-122 (Letting 8781), or SP-123 (Letting 8782) are eligible to bid without attending this meeting.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP232801 Research

Commons Thermal Plant –Chilled Water Production Addition

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

PUBLIC HEARING PAGEDALE CITY HALL

1420 FERGUSON AVENUE

PAGEDALE, MO 63133

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2024 @ 6:30 P.M.

Public hearing to hear application by MSD to re zone 1311 -1335 Pennsylvania Avenue and 7124-7135 from residential / commercial to residential and to consolidate same.

LEGAL NOTICE

Bobbie S. Jones is the legal and equitable owner of the property known as 3905 McCarren Ct. Florissant, MO 63034. All Sales of this property is null and void. Contact Bobbie in writing at 3905 McCarren Ct. Florissant, MO 63034.

INVITATION TO BID

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids from qualified contractors for the following project:

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Bid Package 05 – Remainder of Work

For the following scopes of work: Interiors and Site Improvements S

BID DATE:

January 30, 2025, by 2:00 PM CST

Bid Documents will be available via Building Connected. Contact: Jennifer Simpson at jsimpson@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2304 for access to bid documents.

A pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2:30 pm at McCarthy’s jobsite office located at 920 South Spring Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Prequalification is required and can be accessed at https://www.mccarthy.com/subcontractors

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. 12851 Manchester Road | St. Louis, MO 63131